“Between the energy of the audience, the unity of the dancers, and the passion the dancers emit, something special is created,” she says.

Approximately 75 students are involved in this concert, bringing a range of experiences and styles from hip hop to Bollywood to contemporary. The concert, on April 17 and 18, is free and open to the public and will commence at 7 p.m. both days in Smith Auditorium. Any donations will go toward helping support art in the Salem community.

This semester, for the first time, the company decided to adopt a theme, “Illusions,” which every piece will incorporate in different ways — depending on the students’ interpretations. Harper says the show contains every emotion on the spectrum, and audience members will be able to enjoy every dance.

WDC produces one dance concert every semester, which is danced, choreographed produced, and funded entirely by students. Every year, WDC has one of the highest member counts of any student organization on campus.

“WDC is a great community for students who have a passion for dance as a hobby,” says Harper, who’s majoring in math. “I am continually impressed and amazed with the movements and phrases that my peers produce, and I love having the opportunity to try out others’ styles.”

Harper says these shows are a great way for students to share their work with their peers and other Willamette and Salem community members.

“It is just as fun to share dance as it is to dance,” Harper says. “I love the energy in the room when there is a big audience, and I love to see how supportive students are for each other as they clap and cheer for their friends.

“WDC is a big part of the WU campus, not only because we have so many participants who dedicate hours each week toward this show, but also because so many other Willamette students have come to support us in the past. I hope they will continue to support us.”